MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares is simply doing her job as the country’s chief tax collector with her constant reminders for boxing living legend Manny Pacquiao to settle his tax liabilities following his most recent victory, the Palace said on Monday.
The BIR Commissioner was not out to spoil the fun in Pacquiao’s camp and neither did she intend to lessen the honor he brings to the country when she reminded the boxer of his tax obligations, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during a press briefing.
The BIR chief has been criticized, especially online, after urging Pacquiao to settle his unpaid taxes, which amounts to P2.56 billion following his latest match.
“She’s very focused on her job and on her mandate. I don’t quite think she intends to be offensive. She’s just doing her job,” Valte told reporters.
Pacquiao regained his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt from American Timothy Bradley Jr. during last Saturday’s (Sunday in Manila) match at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Valte said the BIR has already been talking to his camp to address the issue.
“Nakikipag-usap naman sila doon sa kampo ni Pacman kung ano ‘yung mga pwede pang gawin dahil doon sa mga hinaharap niyang liabilities… We don’t mean to make it hard for Congressman Pacquiao,” Valte said.
In an article published by the Philippine Star, Henares said nagging Pacquiao over his tax liabilities was never her intention and she was only responding to queries from the media.
“Hindi naman ho ako nagre-remind sa kanya, tinatanong lang ako [ng media]. Kung tama ang gagawin niya, baka wala naman siyang babayaran sa Pilipinas kasi baka mas mataas ang babayaran niya sa Amerika,” she was quoted as saying.
